Become an Auto Glass Technician: Education and Training Roadmap
Learn how to become an auto glass technician. Research the education and career requirements, certification and experience required for starting a career as an auto glass technician.
Auto Glass Technician Requirements
Auto glass technicians repair and replace the window glass and windshields in automotive vehicles. Once a vehicle is brought into the shop, auto glass technicians review the damage and prepare estimates for customers. In order to repair or replace the glass, technicians may need to remove parts such as trim, hoods and grilles. Additionally, auto glass technicians may repair dents and realign frames.
While a high school diploma is the minimum educational requirement to work in the field, programs are available at the post-secondary level to prepare individuals for employment. The table below includes the requirements to become an auto glass technician.
| Common Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Degree Level | No degree mandatory, though employers may prefer a certificate or associate's degree* |
| Degree Name | Collision repair* |
| Certification | Voluntary certification is offered through the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and other associations* |
| Experience | 3-5 years of automotive shop experience** |
| Key Skills | Dexterity for working with precision parts, customer-service skills and critical-thinking abilities* |
| Computer Skills | Accounting and price estimating software, databases and recordkeeping programs*** |
| Technical Skills | Comfortable using power tools and shop equipment, like buffer wheels, machinery-cutting knives and windshield molding removal tools*** |
Sources: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, **Monster.com job listings in October 2012, ***O*Net OnLine.
Step 1: Complete a Formal Training Program
Many technical schools and community colleges offer 1-year certificate or 2-year associate's degree programs in collision repair. These programs generally focus on repair of the entire automobile after a car wreck or other incident. Courses may include minor collision repair, auto body structural repair, metal insert glass (MIG) welding, refinishing, electrical applications and technical math.
Success Tips:
- Gain experience. During formal training, students can begin to gain experience in the field at an auto body shop. Students might take on part-time employment or pursue internships with local shops. This will give them an opportunity to work alongside professional technicians and gain hands-on experience as well as the possibility of employment after completion of college training.
- Maintain a good driving record. Employers generally require auto glass technicians to have valid driver's licenses. Additionally, maintaining a clean driving record can be critical in finding and holding a job in auto glass repair.
Step 2: Gain Employment and Train on the Job
After gaining employment with an auto body shop, repair technicians often undergo on-the-job training that can last from six months to one year, though trainees who have completed formal education typically require less instruction and may begin working independently sooner. After completing such training, these workers are generally considered fully qualified glass repair technicians. It may take additional years of work experience to advance in the profession. In fact, October 2012 job postings on Monster.com and CareerBuilder.com reveal that employers seeking out glass repairers usually look for applicants who hold at least three years of experience in auto body or glass repair.
Step 3: Become Certified
Professional certification, while not mandatory, can assure customers and employers that a technician has knowledge of the latest industry standards and practices. The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) offers industry-standard certification for these workers in more than 40 different topics, including collision repair/refinishing and automotive consulting. Becoming ASE certified in one of these areas requires two years of pertinent work experience (one year of experience can be substituted with two years of formal training) as well as passage of an exam. ASE-certified technicians must maintain their credentials by passing a recertification test every five years. Certification is also available through other organizations, like the National Glass Association.
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4 Popular Schools
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
- Bachelor
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be 17 years of age or older
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be 18 years of age or older
School locations:
- Online Learning
Distance Learning Programs
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
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Bachelor
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- Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics
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Other Schools:
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School locations:
- Rhode Island (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at New England Institute of Technology include:
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- Non-Degree: Coursework
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies
- Construction Management and Trades
- Electrical Repair and Maintenance
- Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
- Autobody Repair
- Automotive Mechanics
- Marine Watercraft Repair and Maintenance
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School locations:
- Michigan (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Ferris State University include:
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- Graduate: First Professional Degree, Master
- Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
- Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies
- Construction Management and Trades
- Electrical Repair and Maintenance
- Heavy Equipment Maintenance
- Precision Metal Working
- Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
- Autobody Repair
- Automotive Mechanics
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School locations:
- Michigan (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Northern Michigan University include:
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- Graduate: Master
- Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies
- Construction Management and Trades
- Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation, and Refrigeration Maintenance
- Heavy Equipment Maintenance
- Precision Metal Working
- Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
- Aircraft Powerplant Tech
- Autobody Repair
- Automotive Mechanics
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School locations:
- Minnesota (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Dunwoody College of Technology include:
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- Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies
- Construction Management and Trades
- Electrical Repair and Maintenance
- Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation, and Refrigeration Maintenance
- Precision Metal Working
- Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
- Autobody Repair
- Automotive Mechanics
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School locations:
- Oklahoma (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Oklahoma State University include:
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- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies
- Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation, and Refrigeration Maintenance
- Leatherworking and Upholstery
- Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
- Autobody Repair
- Diesel Mechanics
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School locations:
- Wisconsin (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Milwaukee Area Technical College include:
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- Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
- Undergraduate: Associate
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies
- Construction Management and Trades
- Electrical Repair and Maintenance
- Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation, and Refrigeration Maintenance
- Heavy Equipment Maintenance
- Precision Metal Working
- Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
- Aircraft Powerplant Tech
- Airframe Mechanics and Aircraft Maintenance
- Autobody Repair
- Automotive Mechanics
- Diesel Mechanics
